Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Launches One-Gram Gold Ring Scheme for Newborns
Tamil Nadu has started a program that gives some newborn babies a small gold ring.
Each ring weighs one gram and is made of 22-carat gold.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the program in Madurai on September 28, 2026.
Babies born in government hospitals or primary health centres from June 22 may qualify.
Their mothers must live permanently in Tamil Nadu and complete required health registrations.
Babies born after the launch can receive rings before leaving the hospital.
Older eligible babies will receive rings through 107 distribution hubs.
The government says the program honours mothers and encourages families to use public hospitals.
Critics worry about the cost, buying process, and safe storage of the rings.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched Tamil Nadu’s 22-carat, one-gram gold ring scheme at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai on September 28, 2026.
Eligible babies born in government hospitals or primary health centres on or after June 22, 2026, can receive the benefit.
Mothers must be permanent Tamil Nadu residents, complete PICME registration, and hold a Reproductive and Child Health ID.
The government procured 1.28 lakh rings and designated 107 hubs to distribute rings to babies born before the launch.
The government says the scheme promotes institutional births and public healthcare, while critics question its cost, procurement, and storage arrangements.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the scheme for eligible newborns and their mothers; Health and Family Welfare Minister K.G. Arunraj defended its cultural purpose.
- What
- A program providing eligible newborns with one 22-carat, one-gram gold ring.
- When
- The scheme was launched on September 28, 2026; eligibility applies to babies born on or after June 22, 2026.
- Where
- The launch took place at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, with backlog distribution through 107 hubs across Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The government says it honours motherhood, supports maternal and child welfare, and encourages institutional births and use of public healthcare.
Critics and Concerns
Government and Supporters
Value of the scheme
Critics and Concerns
DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan said free gold rings would not help ordinary people while price rises were affecting farmers and others.
Government and Supporters
The government and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam describe the rings as a welfare and cultural gesture intended to honour motherhood and encourage families to choose public hospitals.
Procurement arrangements
Critics and Concerns
Opposition parties questioned the use of the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation, which normally procures medicines and medical supplies, to purchase gold rings.
Government and Supporters
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam said legal opinion had been obtained and that the scheme would be implemented properly.
Storage and distribution
Critics and Concerns
The Service Doctors and Post Graduate Association warned that storing gold rings in hospital lockers could create difficulties and disrupt healthcare, suggesting distribution through banks instead.
Government and Supporters
The government said the rings would have serial numbers, tamper-proof packaging, and controlled distribution through hospitals and 107 designated hubs.
- Scheme name
- Thaai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, also called the Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme
- Gold ring
- One gram of 22-carat gold, with a unique serial number and tamper-proof packaging
- Eligibility
- Babies born in Tamil Nadu government hospitals or primary health centres on or after June 22, 2026
- Maternal requirements
- The mother must be a permanent Tamil Nadu resident, complete PICME registration, and have an RCH ID
- Initial stock
- 1.28 lakh rings, including 6,400 earmarked for Madurai district
- Distribution
- 107 hubs will handle the backlog, with each hub able to distribute rings to up to 100 babies per day
- Budget
- The government has earmarked an annual outlay of Rs 755.83 crore
Sources
CM Vijay to launch gold ring scheme for newborns in Madurai today
Vijay Launches One-Gram Gold Ring Scheme for Newborns
TN CM Vijay launches gold ring scheme for newborns in Madurai
CM Vijay to launch Tamil Nadu gold ring scheme on 28 Sept: What is it, who is eligible and how does it work?
TN CM Vijay to launch one-gram gold ring scheme for newborns today
Gold ring at birth: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay rolls out 1-gram ‘Thai Maman’ gift for newborns
